Root Chakra for Beginners: Why Your First Chakra is Important

The Root Chakra is the first of the seven chakras and, according to some, the most important. But why is it called that? In this blog you will find out what makes your first chakra so special!

In Sanskrit the 1st chakra is called Muladhara, which literally means root. It is the first of the seven chakras and has to do with the basics of life, for example your childhood and physical needs or things you do automatically without thinking. That is why it is often called Base Chakra, it’s really the basis for everything else. In this article you can read everything about the development of the Root Chakra, where it is exactly, and which color belongs to it. Who knows, you might even discover some surprising or inspiring facts!

Root Chakra Meaning

The Muladhara chakra symbolizes our primal instinct. Those are things you need to survive like safety, nutrition, and a little fighting spirit. The first chakra really wants you to continue to thrive. According to chakra theory, you get the skills to take care of yourself during your upbringing and store this in your Root Chakra. At home you learn what safety means and how to take care of yourself. The first chakra also reflects your self-confidence and appreciation for life. This energy center indicates whether you are feeling at home within yourself and what more ambitions you have. You can therefore see the first chakra as symbolic roots. It’s the tangible things, feelings, and people that are always there for you. For example, your body, house, nature, and your friends. So you can build on that!

Development of the Root Chakra

Each chakra belongs to a phase of life. The first chakra belongs – you guessed it – to your first seven years of life. According to the theory, you learn three important things in these years, namely that you exist, that you have needs, and that there are certainties. These statements therefore belong to the Root Chakra:

I…

• am
• desire
• have

Childishly simple really, but no less essential! With these truths in your pocket, you develop confidence in life and appreciation for yourself. Setting boundaries and respecting your body are also part of the Root Chakra.

Location of the Base Chakra

The first chakra, according to the theory, connects to the earth. Physically, the Root Chakra is therefore part of our base. Your feet, legs and pelvic area ensure that you are stable. According to chakra experts, your tailbone plays an important role in this. This helps with balance and a firm posture. You may know this from yoga class, where the tailbone is often emphasized. Many people even see it as the place where earth energy enters your body through a kind of root connection. Whatever you experience, your lower body ensures that you remain upright. And that stability is typical first chakra of course!

Color of the First Chakra

The color red is associated with the Root Chakra. A nice active shade that is reminiscent of fire, love and desire. Because what happens if something gets you warm? Your cheeks flush red! At the same time, red is also the color of blood, anger, and danger. For example, when you ‘See Red!’ Red is therefore the color of our primal instinct, whether it be heated romance or merciless self-defense. It is therefore one of the clearest signal colors we have. Think about the color of traffic lights or traffic signs. Precisely. Red demands our attention and makes sure you know what to do right away!

Open Root Chakra Benefits

When the first chakra is in balance, you feel grounded, stable, safe and connected to your body. But sometimes the Root Chakra falls out of balance. You could then feel unsafe or feel that you are not in balance. For example, if your first chakra is out of balance, you may have trouble trusting, suffer from fears and autoimmune disorders, and be unable to make important choices due to fear.

Exercises to Open or Balance the Root Chakra

When your first chakra is out of balance you may experience restlessness or instability. Being outside is important to an open Root Chakra, because earth and nature help you to ground yourself. A grounding meditation or Root Chakra meditation could therefore work well to restore this chakra. For this you sit on the floor and feel how your sit bones are in contact with the surface. Close your eyes and bring all your attention to your Root Chakra. Visualize a red thread (red is the color of the Root Chakra) going from your tailbone to the earth. With each inhale you inhale the red energy that comes from the earth, and with every exhale you release the unstable energy you no longer need through the red cord. Using a first chakra Singing Bowl or tuning fork during meditation can help align with the grounding vibrations of the earth too.

In addition, it can also help to eat red foods. Red foods can stimulate and balance the Root Chakra. Eat red fruits such as strawberries, redcurrants, pomegranate and raspberries. Opt for red vegetables such as red cabbage and beetroot. There are even teas specially blended for the Root Chakra, or you could try Making Gemstone Water from first chakra gems. This sounds healthy doesn’t it? That’s because an open 1st chakra is also the base of good health, emotionally, spiritually, and physically!

Root Chakra Gemstone

Certain gemstones are associated with each chakra. You will of course have to actively work on balancing your chakras, but gemstones can support you with this. The matching colors of the first chakra gemstones are red and black.

Red Gems

• Red Jasper
• Ruby
• Garnet
• Fire Agate
• Red Calcite
• Tiger Iron
• Aragonite

The color red is the most well-known color for the base chakra. Red stands for fire, earth, and blood. All things that have to do with knowing who you are and what you want. It also gives a clear signal. For example, red tells us that there is danger and therefore symbolizes instinct and survival. But it is also a sign of love and sexuality. Red is therefore a warm, energetic color with which you celebrate life!

The most famous gemstone for the base chakra is the Red Jasper. This brown-red stone is often used for some extra vitality and self-confidence. Tiger Iron, Garnet, Ruby, and Red Calcite are also known as natural batteries. Fire Agate inspires some more passion and Aragonite can help with stamina. Do you need some subtle rock power? Then red Gemstone Jewelry or Mala Beads are for you!

Black Gems

• Hematite
• Black Tourmaline
• Petrified Wood
• Smoky Quartz
• Onyx
• Obsidian

Black gemstones have been known for centuries as calming crystals. The color black absorbs, which is why, according to many people, these stones absorb negative energy. Protection is of course an important word with the first chakra! Black is also a strong color that symbolizes strength and self-confidence. These types of stone can therefore provide extra support in turbulent or stressful times.

A popular favorite is Hematite, a ferruginous stone that looks rough like a rusty black knot but suddenly takes on a mirror metallic sheen when polished. Hematite is also sometimes magnetized for extra earth power. Deeper than deep black can be found with Onyx, Black Tourmaline and Obsidian. Smoky Quartz is clear with a brownish color. And what could be more symbolic of the Root Chakra than Petrified or Fossil Wood? This ancient wood and fossils often have mixed colors such as brown, black and red.

Check Out Our Assortment of Gemstones and Minerals Here

More About Chakras

Do you want to know More About Chakras and how you can give them the right attention? Then read our blogs about the Chakra Colors and Reiki Therapy. Or learn to unlock blocked energy with Gua Sha Massage or Baoding Balls. You’ll find plenty of ways to open your chakras at Spiru.

Good luck with your chakra adventure!